City Councilmembers Support Reauthorization of Pre-K 4 SA Funds
Published on July 30, 2026
SAN ANTONIO (July 30, 2026) — City Councilmembers from Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8 submitted a memo requesting the City Council to consider ordering an election on the November 3, 2026, Uniform Election date to reauthorize the one-eighth cent sales tax dedicated to funding Pre-K 4 SA for an additional twenty-year period.
Since voters first approved Pre-K 4 SA in 2012 and reaffirmed their support in 2020, the program has become a cornerstone of San Antonio’s investment in early childhood education, expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities and supporting kindergarten readiness for thousands of children.
The Councilmembers believe the 20-year reauthorization would allow for strategic allocation of resources to address evolving community needs, including expanding infant and toddler care programs, growing Pre-K 3 sites, strengthening childcare partnerships, and supporting the early childhood workforce.
“Working families across San Antonio often struggle with the cost and quality of infant and toddler care and access to Pre-K,” commented Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez. “This has real effects on our workforce and the educational attainment of our youngest students. It’s time we think long-term by reauthorizing Pre-K funding and building the infrastructure necessary to expand access to Pre-K across our city.”
“Reauthorizing Pre-K 4 SA earlier and for a longer period is a cost-effective investment in early education and economic development,” mentioned Councilmember Edward Mungia. “From 2012-2019, every $1 invested has returned $1.56 in societal benefits.”
“The need for early childhood education options remains high in San Antonio,” stated Councilmember Ric Galvan. “Enacting a 20-year authorization of Pre-K 4 SA could potentially allow the program to strategically grow and develop to more effectively meet community needs in tandem with our public schools. I welcome the opportunity to have this important conversation with the Mayor and Council.”
“Investing in early childhood is one of the smartest long-term investments a city can make,” said Councilmember Ivalis Meza Gonzalez. “Reauthorizing Pre-K 4 SA gives San Antonio the opportunity to continue supporting young learners while adapting to the evolving needs of working families. Ultimately, this decision belongs to the voters, and I believe they deserve the opportunity to decide whether this proven investment should continue serving our community for the next generation.”
The memo requesting the agenda item to order an election was filed with supporting signatures from Councilmembers Jalen McKee-Rodriguez (District 2), Edward Mungia (District 4), Ric Galvan (District 6) and Ivalis Meza Gonzalez (District 8). The deadline to order a November election is August 17.